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In GM role, Alou proud of DR's Classic run

3/18/13: GM Moises Alou talks about how the Dominican Republic was able to use their 2009 disappointment to advance to the 2013 title game

By Alyson Footer
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MLB.com |

SAN FRANCISCO -- Moises Alou, only five years removed from his last game as a Major Leaguer, either played with or against many of the players who comprised the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic roster.

His friendships with the current crop of stars made the recruiting process easier, when it came time to put a team together for the 2013 Classic. Alou, 46, is now the general manager of the Dominican Republic team, and he spent most of the offseason assembling the roster.

"It's a privilege to be named the head guy to put this team together," he said. "There was a lot of work to be done. We put together a very good team despite some players that couldn't play because their organizations wouldn't allow them to play because of injury or other things. We are very proud. No matter what happens tonight, I'm very proud of these guys. They showed up ready to play and gave it all they've got."

Alyson Footer is a national correspondent for MLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @alysonfooter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.